Calypso's Cave — Xagħra (Gozo)

What is Calypso's Cave?

Calypso's Cave is a small cave set in the cliffs above Ramla Bay on Gozo. It is famous less for the cave itself — which is modest and at times closed for safety — than for its legendary association and for the sweeping view it commands over the bay below.

Where is Calypso's Cave?

The site is on the Xagħra side of Ramla Bay, reached by road from the village of Xagħra and a short walk to the viewpoint.

The legend and history

By long tradition, this cave is identified with the home of the nymph Calypso in Homer's Odyssey, where she is said to have kept the hero Odysseus for seven years. While the identification is a matter of legend rather than proven fact, it has been attached to the site for centuries and is a cherished part of Gozo's lore — the island itself is sometimes linked with Homer's Ogygia. The cave and clifftop have been viewpoints and curiosities for generations of visitors.

What to see at Calypso's Cave

• The panoramic viewpoint over Ramla Bay and its red sand.
• The cliffs and countryside of northern Gozo.
• The cave entrance itself, where access permits.

Significance

Calypso's Cave ties Gozo to one of the foundational stories of Western literature and is a highlight of the island's identity. Even setting the legend aside, the viewpoint over Ramla Bay is one of the most memorable on Gozo.

Visiting Calypso's Cave

The viewpoint is free and open. The cave itself has at times been closed or restricted for safety reasons, so access cannot be guaranteed; check locally before relying on entering it. The walk to the viewpoint is short but the ground is uneven.